Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he expects Manchester United to improve this season, under Louis van Gaal.

United slumped to a seventh place finish in the Premier League last campaign, with Liverpool finishing in second position, but Rodgers is expecting the Red Devils to be much improved this time around.

"Louis is someone I have watched for many years, he is a very experienced manager,” he said.

"It was unfortunate it didn't work out for them last year, but I would suspect, and they will expect, to put up a greater challenge this year.”

United already look a change outfit under Van Gaal’s stewardship and have impressed all viewers during their pre-season tour of America.

The Dutchman seems to have injected a real purpose to their play that was missing all too regularly last season and they have constructed some eye-catching moves during their friendly games so far.

They have also been busy in the transfer market, spending large sums of cash on Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw – with more additions expected in the near future.

It has created a sense of anticipation around Old Trafford again. Last year, under David Moyes, they were a side who looked out of ideas and poorly organised for much of the season, but the signs are this won’t be the case this year.

They have remained unbeaten in the International Champions Cup tournament, like Liverpool, over the summer so far and the two sides will meet in the final later tonight.

It will be the first opportunity for Rodgers to directly gauge what he will be up against this season, with Liverpool determined to keep hold of their place in the top four and fend off their old rivals in the process.

Will United finish ahead of Liverpool this season?

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.